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The United States has enforced penalties on a group of several persons and entities charged of hiring South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the measures on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction implicated in terrible atrocities such as massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, after an report which disclosed that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of financial and military support to the belligerents," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the actions as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.